Former Attorney General Malami challenges EFCC over asset forfeiture, denies criminal proceeds claims
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has initiated legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to contest the interim forfeiture of his properties. Malami asserts that the assets, subject to a January 2026 forfeiture order, were legitimately acquired through over three decades of legal practice, business ventures in hospitality, agriculture, and education, and declared income. He claims the EFCC has not provided prima facie evidence linking the properties to criminal activity and describes the allegations as speculative. Malami also alleges that the EFCC inflated the value of his assets and that operatives seized properties and evicted family members without a final forfeiture order, which he deems extrajudicial and a breach of due process. He attributes his wealth to various sources, including bank loans, asset sales, investments, gifts, and book launch proceeds, all duly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau. Malami is seeking to have the interim forfeiture order set aside, maintaining that his properties are legitimate and not connected to unlawful activities. The case is seen as a significant test of the EFCC's asset forfeiture powers and adherence to due process.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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